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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
07:54
Design, Fabrication, and Administration of the Hand Active Sensation Test (HASTe)
Published on: September 8, 2015
Abnormal hand sensations after a football tackle
1Northern Colorado Orthopedic Associates, Fort Collins, CO, 80528, USA. servimd@yahoo.com.
The Physician and Sportsmedicine
|January 21, 2010
Summary
A high school football player experienced transient hand numbness after tackles. Prompt recognition of these symptoms and removal from contact sports may prevent severe spinal cord injury.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Transient abnormal limb sensations can indicate underlying neurological issues.
- Repetitive head and neck trauma in sports is a concern for spinal cord injury.
- Simultaneous symptoms in multiple limbs warrant careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of bilateral transient hand paresthesia in a football player.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing simultaneous, transient neurological symptoms.
- To emphasize the need for prompt medical evaluation and intervention in athletes with neurological symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a high school football player.
- Clinical examination and symptom reporting.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine.
Main Results:
- The player experienced bilateral transient hand paresthesia after tackles in two consecutive seasons.
- MRI revealed cervical canal stenosis and spinal cord edema.
- Symptoms resolved spontaneously after initial incident but recurred.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral transient neurological symptoms in athletes require immediate attention.
- Cervical canal stenosis can predispose athletes to spinal cord injury.
- Early recognition and removal from contact sports are crucial to prevent permanent spinal cord damage.
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